Ezekiel 36:23

And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

Ezekiel 36:23 (KJV)

Context

The book of Ezekiel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament, containing messages from God to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. In Ezekiel 36, God speaks through the prophet Ezekiel to deliver a message of restoration and redemption to the Israelites.

Meaning

In verse 23, God declares that He will sanctify His great name. The name of God represents His character, nature, and reputation. The Israelites had profaned God’s name by their disobedience, idolatry, and actions among the nations. God’s name had been associated with a disobedient and faithless people, causing the nations to blaspheme and doubt the true nature of God.

God promises to restore the sanctity of His name among the nations. By bringing about the restoration of the Israelites, God will demonstrate His power, faithfulness, and righteousness before the nations. The sanctification of God’s name is not only for the benefit of the Israelites but also for the testimony of God’s character to the surrounding nations. This restorative work is ultimately for the sake of His own name, not because of Israel’s merit.

Through the restoration and sanctification of His name, God declares that the nations will come to know that He is the LORD, the one true God. The nations will witness the fulfillment of God’s promises and His faithfulness to His people. The redemption and restoration of the Israelites will serve as a testimony to the nations of God’s sovereignty and authority.

Application

Ezekiel 36:23 reminds us of God’s desire to be known and glorified among the nations. As believers, we have a responsibility to live in a way that reflects the character and nature of God, so that His name may be sanctified and honored. Our actions, words, and attitudes should align with the truth of God’s Word, demonstrating His love, grace, and righteousness to those around us. Through our lives, we have the opportunity to point others to the reality of God’s existence and His lordship over all creation.

Reflection

Ezekiel 36:23 speaks of God’s intention to sanctify His name among the nations through the restoration and redemption of His people. The verse reminds us of the importance of living in a way that honors and reflects God’s character, so that others may come to know Him as the LORD.